Corn and soybean meal prices up 10–15%, pressuring Malaysia’s poultry sector

Malaysia’s poultry sector is facing rising production costs due to higher feedstock prices, logistics expenses and tighter requirements for farms. According to Harumi Brands Managing Director Dato Alex Ding Seng Huat, corn and soybean meal prices have increased by 10–15%.

Higher prices for key feed ingredients are directly increasing the cost of producing poultry meat and eggs. Additional pressure comes from elevated energy prices, which have raised the cost of sea freight and feedstock deliveries.

The situation is being compounded by tighter government oversight of open-house poultry farms. Some of these operations have been forced to shut down, leading to lower bird placements and reduced production.

Rising costs are occurring against a backdrop of already higher consumer prices for chicken and eggs. For producers, this means additional pressure on margins and the need to adapt production models to more expensive feed and logistics.

Unfavorable environmental conditions, including periodic haze in several regions, are adding further pressure. Industry representatives say poorer air quality increases stress in poultry, reduces productivity and raises spending on flock health.

Tags: Malaysia, soybean meal, compound feed, corn, prices, poultry sector